Ceiling grid brochure
Ceiling grid brochure
Astra Clean Systems: Comprehensive Overview of Ceiling Grid and Panel Solutions for Cleanrooms and Controlled Environments
Abstract
Astra Clean Systems presents a complete suite of ceiling grid and panel technologies tailored for controlled environments across pharmaceutical, semiconductor, life sciences, laboratories, medical devices, and healthcare sectors. The focus is on delivering dependable cleanliness, containment, and straightforward maintenance in spaces where air quality, hygiene, and process integrity are paramount. The offering centers on durable grids paired with robust panels that integrate seamlessly with cleanroom utilities such as lighting, filtration, and other services. The provider emphasizes its long-standing commitment to quality, backed by decades of manufacturing experience and a global footprint, positioning its products as a trusted platform for everything from new-build projects to upgrades. Materials and construction are chosen to minimize out-gassing, simplify installation, and extend service life, with a strong emphasis on safety, compliance, and a favorable total cost of ownership for customers. [Page: Unknown]
Astra’s Clean Systems portfolio is organized around two main aluminium grid families, designed to cover a broad range of cleanroom needs. The T50 family uses a 50 mm width for main and cross tees and is implemented as a non-walk-on frame with a concealed fastening channel. The T56 family, slightly wider at 56 mm, is a walk-on grid featuring a continuous channel that accommodates suspended components such as teardrop lighting, aprons, and partitions. Both systems are modular and compatible with standard grid formats like 1200x1200 mm and 1200x600 mm, as well as other common sizes, and both rely on cross connectors and fasteners to speed up installation and ensure precise alignment. Finishes include anodised and powder-coated options to suit different environments and aesthetics. [Page: Unknown]
In terms of application, the T50 is positioned for non-walk-on scenarios, while the T56 is designed to support foot traffic and routine maintenance access. The brochure clearly differentiates the load performance: the T56 family is specified to bear higher ultimate loads on the ceiling panel, contrasted with a lighter capacity for the T50 system. Deflection criteria are described using L/360 as a standard, with explicit loads defined for maintenance scenarios. Beyond mechanical compatibility, both grids are designed to accept standard ceiling panels and fixtures via channels accessible from the cleanroom side, and they offer a choice of finishes—anodised or powder-coated—to meet functional and environmental requirements. [Page: Unknown]
The PRO variants extend the core grid designs with features tailored for environments requiring frequent service and reconfiguration. The T56 PRO, T56N PRO, and 56 PRO 100 variants preserve walk-on capability while incorporating a removable bearing rail option that enables room-side access for changing or servicing ceiling-mounted equipment. These configurations use a mix of continuous channels for fasteners and, in some cases, die-cast connectors to accommodate cable entry or sprinkler heads. The PRO family is designed to be compatible with standard grid modules and to integrate with other ceiling components such as FFUs and lighting, while retaining a solid performance profile including FM approvals. [Page: Unknown]
Among the PRO offerings, the 100-series variants stand out for their enhanced serviceability and equipment-change convenience. They feature removable bearing rails that simplify tasks such as swapping FFUs from the room side, reducing disruption and maintenance time in critical environments. The bearing rails are a defining attribute, enabling cleaner, faster updates to the ceiling system without dismantling panels from above. Finishes keep to anodised or powder-coated options to ensure durability and cleanliness, and the overall package continues to rely on reliable cross connectors, continuous channels, and high-quality connectors to maintain a tight seal and precise alignment. Optional features include additional die-cast connectors for sprinkler compatibility and other fixture integrations. [Page: Unknown]
The brochure also highlights the G60N variant, described as a heavy-duty, walk-on grid designed for more demanding cleanroom settings. The G60N maintains compatibility with the standard interface while offering reinforced structural elements and connectors to support higher service loads. It uses die-cast connections and continuous channels to simplify installation and maintenance. Finishes follow the same anodised or powder-coated options, and the system remains aligned with common cleanroom requirements, including compatibility with FFUs, lighting, and sprinkler provisions. Certifications and reliability indicators are emphasized to reassure users about acceptance and performance in stringent environments. [Page: Unknown]
The ALU honeycomb series forms the other major pillar of Astra’s offering. These aluminium honeycomb panels come in multiple thicknesses—from thin 6 mm up to substantial 70 mm—catering to both non-walk-on and walk-on applications. The cores use aluminium honeycomb and the faces are steel, delivering a high strength-to-weight ratio appropriate for demanding cleanroom applications. A zero out-gassing profile is standard, with options for electrostatic dissipative (ESD) or non-static dissipative (NSD) coatings to manage electrostatic control. Panels are designed for seamless integration with the ACS grid range and can be customized in size to suit project specs. The ALU series emphasizes lightweight resilience, ease of installation, and long-term performance in sterile environments. [Page: Unknown]
The ALU six millimetre model (ALU06) is tailored for sectors such as semiconductor, aerospace, and optics, where stringent cleanliness and stability are essential. It features zero out-gassing and a tough surface finish, with a thick honeycomb core and steel face sheets that align with standard grid dimensions. The coating options include ESD-friendly finishes to minimize static accumulation on frequently touched surfaces. Designed as a cost-effective, durable solution, ALU06 integrates with the grid system while delivering the rigidity required for challenging cleanroom tasks. Other ALU variants—covering thicker cores and different face configurations—build on the same principles of reliability, cleanability, and compatibility with a wide range of cleanroom conditions. [Page: Unknown]
The ALU12, ALU25, ALU30, and ALU50 models expand the family with progressively thicker cores to raise resistance to bending and improve walking-load capacity. Each model uses steel faces with aluminium cores and a Thermosetting epoxy adhesive to control out-gassing. Coatings can be NSD or ESd dissipative, depending on project requirements. Panel sizes generally conform to standard grid spacing, often 1200x1200 mm or 1200x600 mm, with longer lengths possible for specific thicknesses. These panels are described as suitable for semiconductor, aerospace, optical, and other high-technology settings, where both cleanliness and mechanical robustness are essential. [Page: Unknown]
Another finish option within the ALU family is the ALU70 chequer plate, which provides a slip-resistant surface designed for high-traffic areas such as walkways, entry points, and landing zones. The 70 mm depth supports heavy use while maintaining cleanability and guard against dents or scratches. The chequer plate finish is available for multiple thicknesses and continues to rely on a honeycomb core for strength and lightness. This option demonstrates Astra’s focus on safety and practical maintenance in busy spaces, balancing grip, durability, and ease of cleaning in a single ceiling solution. [Page: Unknown]
Performance data and laboratory-style testing are included to help customers assess suitability for specific applications. Load tests on various ALU panels show how panels behave under central point loads and distributed loads, with measurements of peak forces and corresponding deflection. Test setups describe applying controlled loads via hydraulic means at the panel center and recording how much the surface deflects. While results vary by panel thickness and face material, the tests illustrate consistent stiffness and structural performance across the ALU range. These results support informed panel selection for environments where high usage and precise cleanliness standards must coexist. [Page: Unknown]
Selection guidance, sample access, and installation considerations are emphasized to assist customers in choosing the right combination of grids and panels. The brochure notes the availability of a sample gallery and sets of presentation boxes to aid evaluation. It also highlights planning considerations such as designated walkways, landing zones, and access routes to minimize disruption during installation. The guidance stresses simple on-site assembly for a cost-effective, durable ceiling solution when paired with compatible FFUs and lighting fixtures. Early collaboration with the installation team is encouraged to ensure the chosen system meets both cleanliness and serviceability requirements. [Page: Unknown]
Standard sizes, joining methods, and finishing options are described to help customers design cohesive ceiling installations. Grid modules commonly described include 1200x1200 and 1200x600 formats, with other sizes available upon request. Panel frames and corner profiles support clean joining and neat edge finishes, while anodised and powder-coated options provide durability and hygiene benefits. The aim is a synchronized system where the grid and panels work together with lighting, filtration, and other ceiling services for reliable performance and straightforward maintenance. [Page: Unknown]
Certifications, technical specifications, and options for coatings and accessories are outlined to support project compliance. The Astra range carries FM Approvals Class 4882 status, and coatings can be NSD or ESD dissipative to manage static control. The maximum panel length depends on thickness, with examples indicating very long lengths at certain thicknesses—up to about 3840 mm for 12 mm thick honeycomb panels—while maintaining structural integrity. An epoxy adhesive is used to secure faces and core materials, supporting a zero out-gassing profile. The documentation stresses the importance of aligning panel selections with project needs, including sprinkler drops, HVAC integration, and lighting compatibility, while preserving cleanliness performance. [Page: Unknown]
The brochure invites customers to engage with Astra through showroom visits or on-site presentations featuring full-scale samples and ceiling displays. It highlights the breadth of panel sizes and grid configurations available, with customization options to meet exact project requirements. Sales staff are positioned to provide tailored recommendations and to supply copies of the brochure for reference, underscoring Astra’s commitment to delivering a complete, configurable ceiling grid and panel solution that combines cleanliness, ease of maintenance, and long-term value. [Page: Unknown]
